Houston’s unique blend of the cowboy lifestyle and cosmopolitan culture have made it one of top destinations for travel in Texas, as well as the Southern United States. The city's diverse districts present visitors with a wide spectrum of attractions and activities such as watching performance art Downtown and taking in the nightlife in South Loop. Travelers should make sure to stop by the Houston Space Center, which features hundreds of artifacts including spacecrafts that have been to outer space.
The Houston Fajita Festival has established itself as one of Houston's up-and-coming culinary events in only its second year, and will take place July 22, at Sports Creek in East Downtown. The family friendly event is a celebration of Mexican culture, food, and entertainment. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample a variety of fajitas prepared by some of the city’s top cooks and grill masters. The event offers entertainment for all ages including live music and wrestling, as well as watermelon, jalapeno, and taco eating contests. Patrons can watch artists paint on the Mural Wall, and families will love the activities in the playground area. Grandma’s Boys lemonade will help provide refreshment, and a beer and spirit garden will offer a selection of adult beverages. A portion of the event's proceeds will go the Texas Lions Camp, which provides camping experiences for children with mental conditions, and La Rosa Family Services, which works to combat domestic violence. We got the opportunity to interview Andrew Harris, a representative of the event, to learn more about this unique culinary experience.
RAL: How long has the event been running?
AH: This is the 2nd year of the Houston Fajita Festival.
RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?
AH: We are expecting between 3,000-5,000 people.
RAL: What demographic does your event attract? Children? Families? Couples?
AH: This is a family event with attendees coming from mostly Hispanic backgrounds, but we reach all cultures because everyone loves fajitas.
RAL: What makes this event unique?
AH: We have 10 food vendors including local restaurants, food trucks, and concessionaires.
RAL: Tell me about the activities of a typical day at the event.
AH: Here is a breakdown:
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Wrestling show
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Taco Eating Contest
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Watermelon Eating Contest
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Jalapeño Eating Contest
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Live Music
RAL: Will there be any guest appearances?
AH: Yes, there will be local DJ's and TV personalities from ESPN Deportes Radio, CW39, and Telemundo.
RAL: What dining options will attendees encounter?
AH: A variety of fajita tacos from places like Los Cucos, Fajita Petes, Bullritos, and refreshing Grandma's Boys Lemonade.
RAL: Tell me about the overall atmosphere?
AH: The event offers a fun, family-friendly environment with something for everyone. The HTX Sports Creek is a large-scale soccer facility that offers ample elbow room.
RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?
AH: The event venue is only a few blocks away from the Houston Dynamo Stadium in Eastend Downtown Houston. There are great new hotels as well as established local favorites in proximity to the event. Travelers will find hotel chains like Marriott Marquee, Sheraton Hotel, and various others.
RAL: What does this event mean to the community?
AH: The event not only brings fajita lovers together to celebrate Mexican Culture, but also hires locals to work the event. That doesn’t even include the temporary jobs that our sponsors and vendors employ for this one-of-a-kind event.
RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?
AH: Yes, the event creates temporary jobs for concessions, production, and security. Plus, our patrons spend money at local shops, restaurants, and attractions.
RAL: Does the event support a particular cause in the community?
AH: Yes, our event benefits the Texas Lions Camp and La Rosa Family Services, a charity dedicated to fighting domestic violence.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
AH: This event features authentic TexMex food and Mexican culture. From families to Margarita lovers our Festival will satisfy your taste buds and have you dancing to the rhythm of live salsa music!
For more information about the Houston Fajita Festival, please visit the event website.